Glassriver Options Icelandic Book Series Elma

Glassriver has optioned the crime thriller book series Elma from Eva Björg Ægisdóttir for a series adaptation.

The first book in the series, The Creak on the Stairs, is being adapted by screenwriter Karen Björg Eyfjörð Þorsteinsdóttir. It follows as police detective Elma flees to her small hometown after a romantic affair left her heartbroken. She is assigned to the local police station, and when a woman’s body is found lying at the foot of a lighthouse, dark secrets from the past emerge.

In the book series, The Creak on the Stairs is followed by Girls Who Lie, Night Shadows, You Can’t See Me and Boys Who Hurt.

Ægisdóttir’s books have been translated into 23 languages, including English, German, French, Spanish, Japanese, Greek, Hungarian, Macedonian, Estonian, Hebrew, Dutch, Polish, Russian, Serbian and Amharic.

“We’re thrilled to be working with Eva and Karen on Elma,” said Andri Ómarsson, co-owner and producer at Glassriver. “The project brings together Iceland’s striking landscapes with a gripping crime story that has already blown audiences away worldwide, from Iceland to France to the U.K. This project is a testament to the strength of Icelandic storytelling, and we believe it will resonate with audiences both locally and internationally. Karen is a talented scriptwriter who will bring the story to life on screen. With a dedicated cast and creative team, we’re confident that Elma will captivate viewers and highlight the best of what Icelandic drama has to offer.”

“I’m beyond thrilled that Glassriver is bringing Elma to the screen,” Ægisdóttir commented. “I’ve been waiting for some time for the right opportunity, and I am certain that with the talented and capable team at Glassriver, Elma will be in great hands. Karen is one of Iceland’s most talented and productive script writers in recent years. After hearing her vision for the series, I’m so excited to work on this project and see how it will turn out.”